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Introducing solids to your infant is an exciting milestone. Here's everything you need to know about timelines, safety, and recommended menu items—plus a simple baby food chart to print at home.

By the time your infant is 4 to 6 months old, you've probably got your breastfeeding or formula drill down to an art. Don't get too comfortable, though—your child will soon be ready for "real" food. Here's everything to know about starting Baby on solids, with tips for mastering mealtime.

When to Start Solids

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says you should start your child on solids between 4 and 6 months, but the answer really depends on your baby. Here are some signs that your little one may be ready for baby food:

• They can sit upright and hold up their head.
• They are curious, looking at everything around them—especially what you're eating!
• They lost the tongue thrust reflex that automatically pushes food out of their mouth.
• They still seem hungry after getting a full day's portion of milk (eight to 10 breastfeedings or about 32 ounces of formula).

Remember, there's no need to rush this milestone. Most babies are ready to start solids between 5 and 6 months. Don't start solids before 4 months.

 When Do Babies Start Eating Baby Food?

How to Introduce Baby to Solids

The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, as well as supplemental breastfeeding until your infant turns one. (Formula is also a great option for moms who can't or don't want to breastfeed). Introducing solids is more about getting them used to chewing and swallowing food than providing any significant nutritional benefit.

Give your baby the breast or bottle first thing in the morning, before or after meals, and before bedtime. At the beginning, you'll have to experiment to find what works best. If they're a big drinker—say, if they'd drink a whole bottle before a meal, given the chance—feed them first with food and then with a bottle. If they're a moderate drinker, try the opposite.

• Up to 9 months, feed your baby 20 to 28 ounces of formula daily or breast milk every 3 to 4 hours.
• At 9 to 12 months, feed them 16 to 24 ounces of formula daily or breast milk every 4 to 5 hours.

As soon as your little one understands the concept of eating and shows interest in mealtime (this usually happens between 6 and 9 months), start them on a routine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Even if they aren't hungry at times, they'll get used to the idea of eating on a schedule. (That said, never force or pressure your baby to eat. If they aren't interested, just take them out of the high chair and move on.)

 Introducing Baby Food? Here are 20 Things to Feed Your Infant

"My goal for the babies I care for is to get them on a big-boy or big-girl eating schedule by the time they turn 1," says pediatrician Sara DuMond, M.D. "This means they should eat three meals a day with two to three snacks in between."

• At 4 to 6 months, feed your baby two meals, each two to four tablespoons.
• At 7 to 12 months, feed them three meals, each the size of your baby's fist.

As your baby adjusts to eating solids, know that there may be days when they're more interested in peas and carrots than in the breast or bottle and, on the flip side, days when all they'll want to do is nurse. This is all normal as your baby begins to grow more independent, but for now, they still need their normal day's worth of breast milk or formula.